Tips to help first-time cruisers

Just for a change of pace, I thought I’d offer a few tips for first-time cruisers. The percentage of people in North America that cruises is not that high, but major lines are on a ship-building spree in the hope that more passengers will step on board.

Here are my tidbits to help:

1. Double-check all the paperwork. Make a copy of all your vital information and leave it with a family member. If you lose some, you have a place to find it. Copies of prescriptions, passport, license, insurance all qualify.

2. Don’t go overboard on dress. It used to be you had to pack a tux but on formal nights, a shirt tie and a dark suit work…and even the tie isn’t mandatory.

3. Prone to motion sickness? Some crew members tell me green apples and saltines work, but I’m not sure about that. Keep all your meds with you in your carry-on bag…and fill up on toothpaste, hairspray and other toiletries that cost a fortune on the ship.

4. When you board the ship, you might not see your luggage until later so make sure your carry-on bag has what you need to get through a good part of the day. Heck, you’re on holiday…pack your swimsuit.

5. Keep busy. I know you’re holidaying and lying around might seem like a good idea but get out to events, have some fun, meet some new friends. They could come in handy later when you’re going on private tours — four can go cheaper than two.

6. Worried that you won’t have enough to eat? Phish! No such thing, unless you’re in a dinghy and lost at sea. Meals in some form are on the go all day and through the evening. And while it will cost you, try some of the specialty restaurants for a change of pace.

7. Pay all your tours and shows, including gratuities, before you leave home and whatever you do, don’t add more to the bar bill — 15 per cent has already been added.

8. Don’t be one of those sit-around-the-boat types when you’re in port. If you don’t take a tour, use local transportation. And do use Google before you go. You can find some great spots to go at a reasonable price and if you gang up with some friends or take public transportation it could be a lot cheaper than the ship’s tours.